The Addams Family

Running time: N/A

They're creepy and they're kooky." We all know the song. Fresh off his stint as cinematographer for the Coen Brothers, Barry Sonnenfeld's directorial debut keeps in line with the original Charles Addams cartoons, but adds the quirkiness which has become known as his own unique vision. The ghoulish family still lives in the familiar Gothic mansion we remember from the series, next to its own graveyard, on a blasted heath where nothing grows except for dead things. Inside the house, all the ordinary rules of human nature are reversed, adding up to the comedic freak show that audiences have come to love. The Addams Family is certainly a testimony to Barry Sonnenfeld's understanding of filmmaking. Using the proper balance of quality storytelling and visual effects, he creates one highly entertaining romp. What should be noted, however, is that along with great performances from Angelica Huston, Raul Julia and Christopher Lloyd, Sonnenfeld's discovery of Christina Ricci as the daughter, Wednesday, has already marked this as a comedy classic. --Mike Rabehl